The fascinating history of Chisholm Trail School dates back to a humble beginning in April 1873 when the first school board of District 51 was elected. At that time, the school was a one-room frame structure. It’s worth noting that financial constraints meant that students had to make do with benches, using their knees as makeshift desks. The school was initially known as Kechi Center and was situated at 61st and North Lawrence, which is now Broadway.
In 1919, a significant milestone was achieved as the original frame house was replaced with a sturdy brick building. The school’s popularity and enrollment continued to grow steadily, prompting the need for further expansion by 1929.
By 1955, Chisholm Trail School faced another surge in enrollment. To address this, a new school was constructed at 6001 Forester, approximately a mile away from the original Kechi Center location. Both sites continued to hold classes. Moreover, in 1958, Chisholm Trail Junior High was completed to accommodate students in grades seven and eight. The primary building continued to serve Kindergarten through second grade and fourth through sixth grade, while third-grade classes were still held at Kechi Center.
The name “Chisholm Trail” itself carries historical significance, being derived from the famous wagon route that passed through Wichita. This trail, established by Jesse Chisholm and Black Beaver, was a vital cattle drive route from Texas to Kansas in the post-Civil War era. It began at Red River Station, Texas, and extended to various Kansas towns such as Abilene, Newton, Wichita, and Caldwell. Cowboys herded cattle from Texas ranches to Kansas railheads, where they were sold and subsequently shipped eastward. The Chisholm Trail played a pivotal role in the cattle industry and significantly influenced the region’s history.
Click on these links to find out more about Jesse Chisholm. To learn about Dunlap Transition Campus @ Chisholm. And check out the three parks named after Chisholm: Chisholm Greenway, Chisholm Creek Park North, Chisholm Creek Park South.
It’s important to note that in 1963, District 51 became a part of Unified School District 259, and as a result, the use of Kechi Center ceased.
A significant chapter in the school’s history unfolded on October 20, 2005, when Chisholm Trail School celebrated the dedication of a new addition. This addition included four classrooms, a library, classroom renovations, student support facilities, and a new front entrance, marking another milestone in the school’s evolution.
Courtesy: The Catholic Advance
The Catholic Advance featured a picture of Chisholm Trail students decorating and stuffing stockings for the Lord’s Pantry.
You can learn more about many of Wichita’s schools by checking out Be True To Your School.
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